Panic buttons - When, Where and Why

This is an interesting post concerning a fire in a Mosque in South London last month. I haven't sought any clarifying information concerning the fire, but let's go with the statements and stick with arson and the use of panic buttons.

What is a panic button (or duress alarms, or silent hold-up alarm)? It is literally an alarm that may be activated when someone is being threatened - or panicking. They come in many shapes and sizes - some are hardwired (or fixed) and others are wireless (or portable). In the U.S. anyway - and I know the article is in South London - panic buttons generally garner a faster more serious response by the police - why? Well quite simply because a person has to actually activate it. That means some conscious thought went into it - or it is improperly placed to allow accidental activations. Whereas a motion sensor - of any sort - may cause a nuisance alarm because of some environmental condition the only environmental condition that cause the activation of a panic alarm is, well, panic. That means someone is under duress and needs immediate assistance. That's why the response it generally better. They are very useful and applicable to nearly any setting - not just for intruders or threats. They may be used for safety, such as for the elderly. Granted these transmit the signal someplace other than the police, but it's the same technology.

My only guess in this article is that the alarm is tied directly to the police and therefore special permission is required for its installation. In the U.S. these devices may be obtained through, and I'm guessing, just about every alarm monitoring service. They are generally inexpensive - after all they are just a button - and can be a great enhancement to your current system.

Where should they go? The receptionist (or any gatekeeper) for one, along with 'executive' (read clergy) offices, and in any "safe" rooms that may exist. These may be bathrooms or basement areas that are used for sheltering during threats and disasters. Wireless panic buttons are especially useful for use by those that must work with large sums of money - while they work with the money. This way they do not need to find the alarm - grope around aimlessly - when they are frightened.

Remember every device also needs to have policies and procedures governing their use, training, drills, and a plan for what to do next. Liaison with law enforcement is helpful so that everyone knows what to expect with the response. In many instances, if he PD must make any sort of entry they simply secure (handcuff) everyone and sort out the bad guys after controlling the facility. This can be pretty traumatic to those not expecting it.

Rob
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